Home Cinema Choice Jun-18

By the time you read this, Avengers: Infinity War will have broken the $1bn box office barrier on its way to becoming the biggest film of 2018. Many of you will have already seen it. Home cinema enthusiasts we may be, but we can still enjoy a trip out to a commercial theatre. And the cinema industry is changing rapidly. We're seeing more and more simultaneous theatrical/streaming releases; big-budget films are being created for domestic viewers, bypassing multiplexes altogether; and the explosion of the Chinese market is giving Hollywood the jitters. This means that what's on at your local multiplex doesn't fully represent what you may choose to watch on your AV setup. You may well squeeze your viewing of Infinity War between a boxset binge. That's why this issue…

John Archer: The experienced TV tester cut his teeth as an early HCC staffer Jon Thompson: Film producer and post-production expert delves into Hollywood and AV Steve May: HCC’s former Ed. is one of the UK’s most respected AV journos Martin Pipe: Technical expert Martin is renown throughout the industry Richard Stevenson: Former Editor of the UK CE trade journal ERT Ed Selley: Audiophile Ed mixes his home cinema passion with a love of vinyl Vincent Teoh: Professional video calibrator writes about technology and tweaking…

Denon has beefed up the specification of its multiroom-ready HEOS soundbar/subwoofer combi to enable 4K passthrough over HDMI, plus hi-res audio playback, while restyling the cabinet design for a sleeker look. The £700 HEOS HomeCinema HS2 features dual 5in midbass drivers and 0.75in tweeters, supported by its wireless subwoofer. Other connections include optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB and Bluetooth, plus streaming direct from the HEOS app. It's available now from Denon dealers. HCC ONLINE… For breaking AV news, blogs, features and reviews visit www.homecinemachoice.com Follow us on Twitter @hccmag Like us on Facebook facebook.com/homecinemachoice…

Featuring floorstander, centre channel, subwoofer and two bookshelf designs, Q Acoustics' new 3000i series looks a good fit for a home cinema setup. A revision of the previous 3000 range, and borrowing cabinet construction tricks from the company's Concept 500 speakers, the 3000i claims improved bass response and lower distortion, and offers a more streamlined design. A 5.1 package featuring the 3050i floorstanders is available for £1,345; a smaller package using the 3010i speakers sells for £895. Finish options are Graphite Grey, English Walnut, Carbon Black or Arctic White.…

Oppo Digital, the AV/hi-fi division of Chinese corporation Oppo, has announced that it will shut down operations this Summer, leaving a gap in the premium 4K player market that consumers will hope other brands can fill. ‘As Oppo’s latest 4K UHD players reach the pinnacle of their performance, it is time to say goodbye,’ said the company in an official statement. ‘Oppo is proud to have made such well-regarded products and to have served the enthusiast community. Without its customers' suggestions, encouragement, and support, Oppo could not have accomplished these achievements.’ Oppo Digital was established in 2004 in North America, initially becoming known for its premium DVD players. Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray spinners have since followed, including the current UDP-203 and UDP-205. It has also expanded its business to…

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (All-region BD) The cast of this classic slice of disco-era TV sci-fi have never looked better than they do on Blu-ray, courtesy of this boxset's terrific 1080p encodes. The Shape of Water (Ultra HD BD) Why wait until late June for the UK release when you can import this award-winning fantasy on 4K BD from the US right now? Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (All-region BD) The DC Animated Movie Universe goes full grindhouse with a film that mixes gore and gags with gleeful abandon. More please. Alice, Sweet Alice (All-region BD) 88 Films unearths another underrated horror classic in the form of this 1976 proto-slasher. My Generation (Region B BD) Let Michael Caine be your guide to London in the Swinging '60s with…